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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biography of Imam Muhammad Bin Ali (a.s.)(al-taqi) Chapter 1 : Imam Muhammad Bin Ali (a.s.) Childhood Introduction: Imam Muhammad Bin Ali (A.S.) - known more by his title Taqi (or the pious one) - is our ninth Imam. He was born on 10th Rajab 195 A.H. in Medina, and was martyred when he was only 25 years of age on 29th Zilqaad 220 AH. He was buried next to his grandfather, Imam Musa Kazim (A.S.) in Kadhmain Iraq.

As a matter of fact, Kazmain (or the two Kazims) has acquired its name from Imam Musa Kazim (A.S.) and Imam Muhammad Taqi (A.S.), the two Kazims. HIS PARENTS: Imam Muhammad Taqi (A.S.) was the only son, and by many accounts, the only child of Imam Reza (A.S.). His mother is known by several names such as: Subaika, Sabika, Sukaina, Khizran and Susan. She was a Nubian from north Africa, and from the same tribe as Maria Kibtia (mary, the Coptic) one of the Prophet's wives.

She was a very pious person so much so that before even joining the house hold of Imam Reza (A.S.) Imam Musa Kazim (A.S.) used to speak about her in words of praise. In fact, Imam Musa Kazim (A.S.) used to tell his family members to remember to give her his greetings when any of them lived to meet her. Imam Reza (A.S.) also used to have very high opinion about her.

He once told Ali Bin Jaffer that Imam Musa Kazim (A.S.) once told him that the Prophet (S.A.W.W.)had told Imam Ali (A.S.) about Imam Muhammad Taqi (A.S.) by referring to Imam Taqi's mother, calling her "The Best of the Nubian maid." HIS MIRTH: Imam Reza's sister, Hakima, narrates that one day Imam (A S.) requested her to stay in his house since a child was to be born from Khizran.

The news that a child was to be born from Khizran surprised Hakima since no one had told her before that Khizran was expecting a child, and more surprisingly, she showed no signs of pregnancy! However, in obedience to her brother's request, she stayed behind and even called two other women in the neighbourhood to be around to help her take care of Khizian when she was ready to deliver a child. After mid-night, Khizran started showing signs of pregnancy and went into labour-pains.

At dawn ('Subh Sadiq) a baby-boy was born. Me went into prostration ('.Sajda') in prayers to Allah. Imam Reza (AS.) then entered the scene. Hakima wrapped die child in a white cloth, and handed him to the imam (A S.), who read 'Azan' in the child's right ear and 'Ikamah' in his left ear.